Punters across the world have been flocking to the Gloucestershire town ahead of the festival opener today at 1.30pm. £600m worth of bets will be wagered across the week – but what other forms of gluttony can we expect from racing’s premier meeting?

250 tonnes of burgers will be devoured

You heard us. Around 250 tones of burgers will be bitten, chewed, swallowed and digested by hungry punters looking to line their stomachs amid the sea of Guinness, beer and champers. Henry VIII would be proud.

Two tonnes of sirloin and fillet beef will be eaten

Another two tonnes of sirloin and fillet beef will also be guzzled on top of the mega burger consumption – though we expect such delights will be found in the hospitality boxes rather than the betting ring. Anyone starting to feel sorry for the cows?

£600m worth of bets will be wagered with bookmakers across the week

Cheltenham Festival is an epic clash between bookmakers and punters. While men and women up and down the country will be quids-in when the favourites oblige, bookmakers will be hoping for all the market principals to get chinned. Bookmakers were saved a £50m windfall last year when Annie Power fell at the final obstacle in the Mares’ hurdle – but can she oblige this year in the Champion Hurdle?

465,000 bottles of lager, Guinness, beer and cider will refresh an abundance of palates